Cop charged with felony DUI in crash that killed 2

Chicago, IL

Cop who killed 2 posts $7,500 for bail, enraging victim's brother

In the hours before a car accident that claimed two lives, the off-duty Chicago Police officer who allegedly caused the wreck drank four shots of liquor and three additional alcoholic beverages, prosecutors said Thursday.

Cook County prosecutors made the allegations as they charged cop John Ardelean with aggravated driving under the influence -- a felony -- in the wake of the fatal Nov. 22 car accident.

After the collision at Damen and Oakdale, "a police lieutenant detected a slight odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the defendant's breath," said Assistant State's Attorney Jason Poje. Further tests indicated he was drunk, authorities said.

Ardelean, 34, was originally charged with a misdemeanor. Nearly two months after the crash, prosecutors decided to bring felony charges that could land Ardelean in prison for up to 28 years. More >>

MADD leader speaks about cops' arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI)

Sacramento, CA

The MADD leader's first name is Matthias. Wouldn't that make him a FADD. Shouldn't they just change the name of the organization to MFADD (and I mean mothers and fathers against drunk driving? Is there a reason this guy wants to be head mother?

The leader of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in California said police need to set an example after two recent drunken driving arrests involving law enforcement officers. Daniel Rouse, an off-duty Sacramento County deputy, was arrested Saturday morning at Highway 50 near the Capital City Freeway.

The 22-year-old is expected to face a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge. Rouse's arrest came two weeks after a California Highway Patrol lieutenant was arrested in northern Merced County on a drunken driving charge.

Lt. Deborah Pierce flipped her car onto an embankment along Highway 99, police said. She was arrested at the scene.
Pierce works for the Bakersfield-area CHP and is a 17-year veteran of the agency.

"Please remember that we look to them not only to save our lives but to show the community that they march to a higher tune," MADD's state executive director Matthias Mendezona said. "They have certain accountabilities there that go beyond the average citizen," he said. More >>

Chicago police officer gets DUI charge after Christmas Eve Car Crash

December 27, 2007 (Chicago, IL)

A Chicago police officer has been charged with DUI in a Christmas Eve car crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway, authorities said.

Jon Cacciatore, 43, was charged with driving under the influence, Illinois State Trooper Juan Valenzuela said.

About 11:30 p.m. Monday, Cacciatore, who was off-duty at the time, was driving south in the express lane near 43rd Street on the South Side when he hit a tow truck, state police Sgt. Gregory Coate said. More >>